Antoine of Navarre

Antoine de Bourbon, roi de Navarre was the King of Navarre through his marriage to Queen Jeanne III, from 1555 until his death. He was the first monarch of the House of Bourbon, of which he was head from 1537. Despite being first prince of the blood, Antoine lacked political influence and was dominated by king Henry II's favourites, the Montmorency and Guise families. When Henri died in 1559, Antoine found himself sidelined in the Guise-dominated government, and then compromised by his brother's treason. When Francis in turn died he returned to the centre of politics, becoming Lieutenant-General of France and leading the army of the crown in the first of the French Wars of Religion. He died of wounds sustained during the Siege of Rouen. He was the father of Henry IV of France.

22 April 1518

Born on the same birth day (22 April): Ana María Shua • Archy Kirkwood • Emily Davies • Fritz Mayer van den Bergh • Georg Lurich • Isabella I of Castile • Jack Nitzsche • John Maples • Laurel Aitken • Lewis Powell (conspirator) • Paul Malakwen Kosgei • Robert Bárány • Robert Wade-Gery • Sacco and Vanzetti • Sam W. Heads • Sean Lock • Theo Waigel • Vernon Johns • Yvette Chauviré • Zoltán Gera